The NHS is preparing to roll out Mounjaro, a new weight loss drug, starting in January 2024, but access will be limited to just 220,000 individuals in England over the next three years, despite an estimated 3.4 million being eligible.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Mounjaro for patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 who also have at least one weight-related health condition.

Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that mimics the hormone GLP-1 to help regulate appetite and digestion, leading to significant weight loss, with clinical trials showing up to 20.2% weight loss in patients.

Professor Jonathan Benger from NICE stated that the initial distribution will prioritize those with the highest clinical needs, aiming to protect other essential NHS services while evaluating the drug's delivery.

Experts stress that while weight loss drugs like Mounjaro can aid in weight management, they must be part of a comprehensive approach that includes dietary and lifestyle changes for long-term effectiveness.

Due to anticipated high demand and limited NHS resources, experts predict it could take up to 12 years for all eligible patients to access Mounjaro.

The decision to limit access to Mounjaro is intended to manage demand effectively and protect other vital NHS services.

Mounjaro will cost the NHS approximately £122 per patient each month, which NICE considers cost-effective compared to the overall expenses associated with obesity.

The Health Survey for England 2022 revealed that 64% of adults were overweight or obese, highlighting the urgent need for effective weight loss medications.

This drug is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, emphasizing that it should not be viewed as a standalone solution for obesity treatment.

Many potential users, like Jane Graham, express frustration over not qualifying for Mounjaro under NHS guidelines, despite being at high risk for health issues due to their weight.

Both Paul and his wife, who have been using Mounjaro from a private clinic, are eager for NHS access but find the projected wait of 12 years excessive.